[Inhibition of HIV-1 mediated cell-cell fusion by saponin fraction from Psidium guajava leaf]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of the total saponin of Psidium guajava leaf (TSGL) on HIV-1 envelop proteins (env) mediated virus entry into target cells.

METHODS

The TSGL was purified and concentrated using SA-1 macropore resin. The effect of TSGL on HIV-1 entry into target cells was tested using a cell-cell fusion assay by mixing CHO-WT and MT-2 cells. The cytotoxicity of TSGL was measured by MTT assay. The activity of TSGL on blocking the HIV-1 gp41 six helical bundle (6-HB) formation was analyzed by ELISA and Native-PAGE (N-PAGE).

RESULTS

The TSGL could inhibit HIV env mediated cell-cell fusion with an IC50 of (7.33 +/- 0.40) microg/mL, and displayed little cytotoxicity at that concentration. ELISA assay showed that the TSGL could prevent gp41 6-HB formation with inhibitory activity of 95.93% at 25 microg/mL. N-PAGE study confirmed the inhibitory effect of TSGL on gp41 6-HB formation.

CONCLUSIONS

The TSGL can inhibit HIV entry target cells by interfering the envelop subunit gp41 form the critical 6-HB structure.

Soyasaponin I attenuates TNBS-Induced colitis in mice by inhibiting NF-κB pathway

Soybean, which contains soyasaponins and isoflavones as representative constituents, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. To understand the anti-inflammatory effects of soyasaponins, we isolated soyasaponin I, a major constituent of soybean, and investigated the inhibitory effects on inflammatory markers in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages and 3,4,5-trinitrobenzenosulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitic mice. Soyasaponin I, which exhibited lipid peroxidation-inhibitory effects in vitro, inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE2), and inflammatory enzymes (COX-2 and iNOS) in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Soyasaponin I also suppressed the phosphorylation of IκB-α and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. However, these soyasaponins barely inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinases. Oral administration of soyasaponin I (10 and 20 mg/kg) to TNBS-treated colitic mice significantly reduced inflammatory markers, colon length, myeloperoxidase, lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal), proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation in the colon, as well as increased glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity. Based on these findings, soyasaponin I may attenuate colitis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

[Optimization of PNS/TGCO components effect on experimental Qi stagnation and blood stasis type of coronary heart disease with increase-decrease baseline geometric proportion design method]

OBJECTIVE

Preliminary exploration of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) and total saponins from Cornus officinalis (TGCO) components treatment and characteristics of Qi stagnation and blood stasis type of coronary heart disease.

METHODS

With increase-decrease baseline geometric proportion design method to Optimization of PNS/TGCO components, through observing different proportions effective components effect on mice with pituitrin-induced acute myocardial ischemia and the time of hypoxia tolerance.

RESULTS

Prescriptions 1, 2, 3 and Xuesaitong groups had a certain degree of improvement the role of myocardial ischemia and prescriptions 4, 5, 6, compared with the control group with no significant changes; Prescriptions 3, 4, 5, 6 had a certain role in anti-anoxia in mice, prescriptions 1, 2 and Xuesaitong group, together with the control group with no significant changes.

CONCLUSION

Prescription 3 has some effect on improving the role of myocardial ischemia and has a certain role in anti-anoxia. It's the best ratio of PNS/TGCO components for the treatment of Qi stagnation and blood stasis type of coronary heart disease.

[In vitro balanced sustained-release of Panax notoginseng saponins controlled with various matrix materials]

To explore the influence of matrix materials in complicate ingredients on traditional Chinese medicine and investigate the excipients selection model based on balanced release characteristics of multicomponents, the influence of HPMC (K4M, K15M, K100M) and Carbomer (934P, 971P, 974P) was illustrated by testing in vitro release of ginsenoside-Rg1, ginsenoside-Rb1 and notoginsenoside-R1 in Panax notoginseng saponins (model drug, PNS). According to in vitro release results of PNS matrix tablets in water and artificial intestinal juice, the release curves were analyzed with Peppas equation and simulating factor (f). Significant differences in k value and n value among ginsenoside-Rg1, ginsenoside-Rb1 and notoginsenoside-R1 existed in various formulations. The release behaviors from various excipients could be described with Non-Fickian transport or super Case II transport pattern. The f2 values for ginsenoside-Rg1, ginsenoside-Rb1 and notoginsenoside-R1 in 971P matrix tablet containing 30% Carbomer 971P were 74.91, 53.45, 57.89 in water and 79.35, 55.51, 51.89 in artificial intestinal juice, respectively. The release profiles fit for the regulation of FDA. The result revealed that the balanced release rates of Rg1, Rb1 and R1 in 971P matrix tablet were obtained.

Development of a recombinant tetravalent dengue virus vaccine: immunogenicity and efficacy studies in mice and monkeys

Truncated recombinant dengue virus envelope protein subunits (80E) are efficiently expressed using the Drosophila Schneider-2 (S2) cell expression system. Binding of conformationally sensitive antibodies as well as X-ray crystal structural studies indicate that the recombinant 80E subunits are properly folded native-like proteins. Combining the 80E subunits from each of the four dengue serotypes with ISCOMATRIX adjuvant, an adjuvant selected from a set of adjuvants tested for maximal and long lasting immune responses, results in high titer virus neutralizing antibody responses. Immunization of mice with a mixture of all four 80E subunits and ISCOMATRIX adjuvant resulted in potent virus neutralizing antibody responses to each of the four serotypes. The responses to the components of the tetravalent mixture were equivalent to the responses to each of the subunits administered individually. In an effort to evaluate the potential protective efficacy of the Drosophila expressed 80E, the dengue serotype 2 (DEN2-80E) subunit was tested in both the mouse and monkey challenge models. In both models protection against viral challenge was achieved with low doses of antigen in the vaccine formulation. In non-human primates, low doses of the tetravalent formulation induced good virus neutralizing antibody titers to all four serotypes and protection against challenge with the two dengue virus serotypes tested. In contrast to previous reports, where subunit vaccine candidates have generally failed to induce potent, protective responses, native-like soluble 80E proteins expressed in the Drosophila S2 cells and administered with appropriate adjuvants are highly immunogenic and capable of eliciting protective responses in both mice and monkeys. These results support the development of a dengue virus tetravalent vaccine based on the four 80E subunits produced in the Drosophila S2 cell expression system.

Pilot study of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding evaluation: NCCTG trial N03CA

PURPOSE

This pilot trial sought to investigate whether any of three doses of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) might help cancer-related fatigue. A secondary aim was to evaluate toxicity.

METHODS

Eligible adults with cancer were randomized in a double-blind manner, to receive American ginseng in doses of 750, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/day or placebo given in twice daily dosing over 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Brief Fatigue Inventory, vitality subscale of the Medical Outcome Scale Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Global Impression of Benefit Scale at 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety patients were accrued to this trial. Nonsignificant trends for all outcomes were seen in favor of the 1,000- and 2,000-mg/day doses of American ginseng. Area under the curve analysis of activity interference from the Brief Fatigue Inventory was 460-467 in the placebo group and 750 mg/day group versus 480-551 in the 1,000- and 2,000-mg/day arms, respectively. Change from baseline in the vitality subscale of the SF-36 was 7.3-7.8 in the placebo and the 750-mg/day arm, versus 10.5-14.6 in the 1,000- and 2,000-mg/day arms. Over twice as many patients on ginseng perceived a benefit and were satisfied with treatment over those on placebo. There were no significant differences in any measured toxicities between any of the arms.

CONCLUSION

There appears to be some activity and tolerable toxicity at 1,000-2,000 mg/day doses of American ginseng with regard to cancer-related fatigue. Thus, further study of American ginseng is warranted.

[Effect of total saponins from rhizomes and flowers of Panax notoginseng on tumor cell induced platelet aggregation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of total saponins from rhizomes and flowers of Panax notoginseng on tumor cell induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA).

METHODS

MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma was applied as inductor and the platelet aggregation were investigated by Born's method in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Saponins from the flowers of Panax notoginseng inhibited TCIPA at the dose of 120, 240, 480 mg/L respectively in vitro and in vivo. Saponins from rhizomes of Panax notoginseng inhibited TCIPA only at its high dose in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The saponins from Panax notoginseng has a dose-dependent inhibition of TCIPA. It may be a new class of antimetastatic agent.

Saponins from Plumeria acuminata Ait induce cell growth inhibition and apoptosis of oral squamous carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of saponins from Plumeria acuminata Ait on oral squamous carcinoma cells (OSCC).

METHODS

OSCC cells seeded at 2 × 104 cells/well in a 96-well plate were treated with saponins from P. acuminata Ait and cisplatin in various concentrations for 24 h. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay and ethidium bromide/acridine orange were used to evaluate their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on the cells, respectively.

RESULTS

the results showed that both saponins and cisplatin had cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on OSCC cells.

CONCLUSION

saponins from P. acuminata Ait may be potential anti-cancer agents for OSCC.

[Extracts of mucopolysaccharides from Asterias rollestoni and its immunoregulation effect in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To study immunoregulation effects on normal pulpal cells of the mucopolysaccharides MP1 and MP2 extracted from Asterias rollestoni body wall and viscera, respectively.

METHODS

The orthogonal design was employed to obtain the best possible combination of the critical parameters for mucopolysaccharide MP2. MP1, MP2, glycosides, MP1 + glycosides and MP2 + glycosides were added respectively into pulpal cells culture media to test their effects on spleen cells proliferations by MTT assay.

RESULTS

MP1 and MP2 could certainly increase the proliferation of the normal splenocyte and inhibit glycosides cytotoxicity. Compared with controls, MP2 reversed the cytotoxicity of glycosides at concentration of 25 to 40 mg/mL, the greatest activity appearing at the dose of 40 mg/mL (P<0.01), while MP1 didn't reverse it.

CONCLUSION

MP1 and MP2 can enhance immunity of normal mice, and MP2 can significantly reverses the cytotoxicity of glycosides in vitro.

Effect of triterpene saponins from roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke on diuresis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine to both prevent malaria and act as a depurative.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We have investigated the effects of an ethanol crude extract of roots of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus (CEAaD), a chemically characterized saponin mixture (SAPAaD), as well as a saponin-free fraction (SAPAaD-free) obtained from CEAaD on diuresis in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar rats under ad libitum water conditions or water deprivation for 12h prior to the start of the experiment were volume-expanded with 0.9% NaCl (4% body weight, by gavage) containing either CEAaD, SAPAaD, or SAPAaD-free at the doses indicated in the text. Rats were individually housed in metabolic cages, and urine volume was measured every 30 min throughout the experiment (3 h).

RESULTS

CEAaD increased urine volume in rats under conditions of both free access to water and under water deprivation. In the latter condition, CEAaD (150 mg/kg) increased the urine volume from zero to 0.9+/-0.1 ml/120 min, n=6). Similarly, the SAPAaD-free (50-200 mg/kg) mixture also increased the urine volume. In contrast, SAPAaD (12.5-1000 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction (p<0.01) in diuresis under conditions of both water deprivation and with free access to water prior to the start of the experiment.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that CEAaD contains compounds that cause both diuresis and antidiuresis and that the antidiuretic effect is due mainly to the presence of saponins.

Phase 1/2a study of the malaria vaccine candidate apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) administered in adjuvant system AS01B or AS02A

Background

This Phase 1/2a study evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of an experimental malaria vaccine comprised of the recombinant Plasmodium falciparum protein apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) representing the 3D7 allele formulated with either the AS01B or AS02A Adjuvant Systems.

Methodology/Principal Findings

After a preliminary safety evaluation of low dose AMA-1/AS01B (10 µg/0.5 mL) in 5 adults, 30 malaria-naïve adults were randomly allocated to receive full dose (50 µg/0.5 mL) of AMA-1/AS01B (n = 15) or AMA-1/AS02A (n = 15), followed by a malaria challenge. All vaccinations were administered intramuscularly on a 0-, 1-, 2-month schedule. All volunteers experienced transient injection site erythema, swelling and pain. Two weeks post-third vaccination, anti-AMA-1 Geometric Mean Antibody Concentrations (GMCs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were high: low dose AMA-1/AS01B 196 µg/mL (103–371 µg/mL), full dose AMA-1/AS01B 279 µg/mL (210–369 µg/mL) and full dose AMA-1/AS02A 216 µg/mL (169–276 µg/mL) with no significant difference among the 3 groups. The three vaccine formulations elicited equivalent functional antibody responses, as measured by growth inhibition assay (GIA), against homologous but not against heterologous (FVO) parasites as well as demonstrable interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses. To assess efficacy, volunteers were challenged with P. falciparum-infected mosquitoes, and all became parasitemic, with no significant difference in the prepatent period by either light microscopy or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). However, a small but significant reduction of parasitemia in the AMA-1/AS02A group was seen with a statistical model employing qPCR measurements.

Significance

All three vaccine formulations were found to be safe and highly immunogenic. These immune responses did not translate into significant vaccine efficacy in malaria-naïve adults employing a primary sporozoite challenge model, but encouragingly, estimation of parasite growth rates from qPCR data may suggest a partial biological effect of the vaccine. Further evaluation of the immunogenicity and efficacy of the AMA-1/AS02A formulation is ongoing in a malaria-experienced pediatric population in Mali.

Trial Registration

www.clinicaltrials.govNCT00385047

Immune modulation by adjuvants combined with diphtheria toxoid administered topically in BALB/c mice after microneedle array pretreatment

Purpose

In this study, modulation of the immune response against diphtheria toxoid (DT) by various adjuvants in transcutaneous immunization (TCI) with microneedle array pretreatment was investigated.

Methods

TCI was performed on BALB/c mice with or without microneedle array pretreatment using DT as a model antigen co-administrated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Quil A, CpG oligo deoxynucleotide (CpG) or cholera toxin (CT) as adjuvant. The immunogenicity was evaluated by measuring serum IgG subtype titers and neutralizing antibody titers.

Results

TCI with microneedle array pretreatment resulted in a 1,000-fold increase of DT-specific serum IgG levels as compared to TCI. The immune response was further improved by co-administration of adjuvants, showing a progressive increase in serum IgG titers when adjuvanted with LPS, Quil A, CpG and CT. IgG titers of the CT-adjuvanted group reached levels comparable to those obtained after DT-alum subcutaneous injection. The IgG1/IgG2a ratio of DT-specific antibodies decreased in the following sequence: plain DT, Quil A, CT and CpG, suggesting that the immune response was skewed towards the Th1 direction.

Conclusions

The potency and the quality of the immune response against DT administered by microneedle array mediated TCI can be modulated by co-administration of adjuvants.

[Effect of Panax notoginseng saponins on vascular intima hyperplasia and PCNA expression in rat aorta after balloon angioplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect and the mechanism of panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on the vascular intima hyperplasia and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) after aortic intima injury induced ballcon in rats.

METHOD

Model of aortic intima denudation in rats was established by 2.0 forgarty. The rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, PNS group and atorvastatin group. Drugs were administered at the second day after the aortic intima injury for 14 days. The injured thoracic aorta segment were taken to detected the vascular morphological changes and expression of PCNA by histomorphology and immunohistochemic methods.

RESULT

The intimal area (IA), intimal thickness (IT), hyperplasia ratio of intimal area (HRIA), the ratio of intimal/mesolamella area and thickness in the model group were significantly higher than those of the sham operation (P<0.01). The above indexes in PNS and atorvastatin group were markedly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham group, the expression of PCNA in the model was enhanced remarkably (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of PCNA in PNS and atorvastatin group was significantly lowered (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

PNS could inhibit intima hyperplasia by inhibiting proliferation of the vascular smooth muscle cell after vascular intima injury.

Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations as a potential tool for the reduction of cytotoxicity of saponins

The present pilot study explored the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to entrap saponins and reduce the membrane toxicity of these compounds. SLN composed of different types of solid lipid were prepared by the cold homogenisation technique. Combinations of anionic, cationic and non-ionic stabilisers were selected in order to obtain negatively, positively and neutrally charged SLN. Mean particle size and zeta potential of blank and saponin-loaded formulations were measured by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS) and in vitro cytotoxicity on MRC-5 SV2 and J774 cells was assessed using a resazurin-based assay. The type of solid lipid used for the formulation influenced the mean particle size, while the zeta potential mainly depended on the kind of surfactant utilised. Blank SLN composed of hard fat and anionic or non-ionic surfactants did not result in cytotoxicity. After loading with saponin, the anionic hard fat SLN was found to be the optimal formulation.

[Mechanisms of gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris via activating PKCepsilon against myocardial apoptosis induced by oxidative stress]

This study is to observe the effect of gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris (GSTT) on protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon) and apoptosis-associated protein in the apoptosis of cultured cardiocyte apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and to explore the mechanisms of GSTT against myocardial apoptosis. Primary cardiocytes were isolated and cultured. Myocardial apoptosis was induced by H2O2 and analyzed with flow cytometry. Protein content of phospho-PKCepsilon, Bcl-2, and Bax were detected with Western blotting analysis. Cleaved caspase-3 protein content was determined with immunocytochemical technique. After the pretreatment of 100 mg x L(-1) GSTT, compared with H2O2 group, GSTT could not only decrease the apoptotic percentage in cardiocytes damaged by H2O2 (P < 0.01), but also reduce protein contents of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.01), and increase protein content of phospho-PKCepsilon and Bcl-2 significantly (P < 0.01). PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (Che) could prevent partly the effect of GSTT against myocardial apoptosis (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Mechanisms of GSTT against myocardial apoptosis might be associated with inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway after PKCepsilon activation.

Proteomic analysis of anti-tumor effects by Rhizoma Paridis total saponin treatment in HepG2 cells

Rhizoma Paridis total saponin (RPTS) had been identified as the major components responsible for the anti-tumor effects of the herb Rhizoma Paridis, which had been used in China for centuries to treat many diseases including tumor. To elucidate the anti-tumor mechanism of RPTS, a proteomic analysis was carried out with RPTS treatment in HepG2 cells. More than 50 proteins showed a significant change between control (0.01% DMSO) and RPTS (IC(50) approximately 10microg/ml) treated cells after 48h. Twelve proteins had been identified by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) using peptide fingerprinting from 15 protein spots (density difference >2 fold between the control and RPTS-treated group). Among them, six proteins were down-regulated (dUTPase, hnRNP K, GMP synthase, etc.) and six proteins were up-regulated (DNase gamma, Nucleoside diphosphate kinase A, Centrin-2, etc.) by RPTS treatment in HepG2 cells as determined by spot volume (p<0.05). Most of the identified proteins were associated with tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. These findings might offer valuable insights into the mechanism of anti-tumor effect affected by RPTS treatment in HepG2 cells.

Immunorestoration and augmentation of mitogen lymphocyte response in Graffi tumor bearing hamsters by purified saponin mixture from Astragalus corniculatus

Investigations on the effect of purified saponin mixture (PSM) obtained from the aerial parts of Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. (Fabaceae) on mitogen response of the spleen cells in Graffi tumor bearing (GTBH) and healthy hamsters were reported. The saponin mixture in a doses of 50mg/kg b.w. was injected i.p. 4 times starting simultaneously with implantation of tumor cells. Stimulation indices to phytohemagglutinine (PHA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of lymphocytes in spleens of tumor bearing hamsters (TBH) were significantly decreased during the whole period of the observation. It was established that PSM stimulated the functions of spleen cells in Graffi-TBH, resulting in increased mitogen response to PHA and LPS. The stimulation was better expressed in healthy PSM-treated hamsters. The proliferation response of spleen lymphocytes to PSM was also found. PSM did not change the in vitro proliferation ability of Graffi tumor cells. The results obtained proved the immunostimulating and immunorestorating activity of PSM on the T- and B-spleen cells in healthy and GTBH hamsters, as well as the proliferative response of it to PSM.

Immunogenicity of lipid sustained release implants containing imiquimod, alpha-galactosylceramide, or Quil-A

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the immunogenicity of liposome-forming, sustained release lipid implants containing either an alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) analogue, imiquimod or Quil-A (QA) as adjuvants. Ovalbumin (OVA) was used as a model antigen. Groups of C57Bl/6 mice were subcutaneously immunised with lipid implants containing one of the adjuvants, or inoculated with OVA in alum. The expansion of CD8+ and CD4+ transgenic T cells was analysed to assess the ability of these implants to stimulate cell-mediated immunity. In addition, the production of OVA-specific IgG antibodies was determined. QA-containing lipid implants were more efficient in the stimulation of CD8+ T cells and IgG antibodies than the two immunomodulators alpha-GalCer and imiquimod. These results suggest that, using this immunisationprotocol and dose of immunomodulators, QA was superior to imiquimod and alpha-GalCer.

Antiobese effects of novel saponins from edible seeds of Japanese horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata BLUME) after treatment with wood ashes

Recently, we have identified novel saponins from edible seeds of Japanese horse chestnut ( Aesculus turbinata BLUME) after processing the natural seeds with wood ashes to remove bitterness. We attempted to determine anti-obesity effects of those saponins from edible seeds as well as natural seeds. The purified individual components of saponins from natural and edible seeds inhibited pancreatic lipase in vitro. The potency was in the order of escins > desacylescins > deacetylescins. Escins Ib and IIb as well as deacetylescins Ib and IIb with the angeloyl moiety were more potent than the corresponding Ia and IIa series with the tigloyl moiety. Moreover, in vivo anti-obesity effects of the saponin fractions were monitored for 8 weeks in mice fed high-fat diets. Saponin fractions from both seeds significantly attenuated the elevation in body weight, the mass of peritoneal adipose tissues, and plasma triacylglycerol, which was accompanied by higher contents of undigested fats in feces without changes in food intake, indicating the effective inhibition of fat digestion in vivo. Taken together, saponin fractions including desacylescins and deacetylescins from edible seeds are potentially useful for the development of nutraceutical foods with anti-obesity effects and more attenuated bitter taste.

[Influence of Zea mays L. saponin (ZMLS) on ultrastructure of kidney and pancreas in diabetes rats induced by streptozocin]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the effect of Zea mays L. saponin (ZMLS) on ultrastructure of kidney and pancreas in the diabetes rats induced by streptozocin.

METHOD

The diabetic rat model was established by injections of STZ, blood glucose, the ultrastructure of the kidney and pancreas were observed.

RESULT

Compared with the model group, the large, middle-dose ZMLS groups and melbinum group could remarkably decrease the blood glucose (P < 0.01), the large, middle, small-dose ZMLS groups could remarkably prevent the pancreatic islet beta-cell from the injury induced by Streptozotocin. Melbinum and the large, middle-dose ZMLS groups could remarkably increase mitochondrial Vv, deltam and euchromatin Vv (P < 0.01), and significantly decrease the delta, Nucleus delta and heterochromatin Vv (P < 0.01). The small dose of ZMLS obviously increases mitochondrial Vv (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ZMLS showed good effect on decreasing blood glucose and protection action on the kidney and pancreas injury of induced by STZ.

Effect of soyasapogenol A and soyasapogenol B concentrated extracts on HEP-G2 cell proliferation and apoptosis

The growth inhibition and the induction of apoptosis brought about by soyasaponins extracted from soy flour ( Glycine max (L.)) and concentrated for soyasapogenols A and B formed by hydrolysis were tested for cytoactivity in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep-G2. Concentrated soyasapogenol A (SG-A) and soyasapogenol B (SG-B) extracts contained approximately 69.3% and 46.2% of their respective aglycones (soyasapogenols) assessed by HPLC and ESI-MS, while the soyasaponin extract (TS), derived from crude methanol extraction, did not contain any detectable amounts of SG-A or SG-B. An MTT viability assay showed that all three extracts had an effect on Hep-G2 proliferation in a dose-response manner with 72 h LC50 values of 0.594+/-0.021 mg/mL for TS, 0.052+/-0.011 mg/mL for SG-A, and 0.128+/-0.005 mg/mL for SG-B. Apoptotic cells were determined by flow cytometry cell cycle analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Cell cycle analysis indicated a significant ( P< 0.05) greater sub-G1 buildup of apoptotic cells at 24 h (25.63+/-2.1%) and 72 h (47.1+/-3.5%) for the SG-A extract compared to SG-B, whereas the TS extract produced only a minor buildup of sub-G1 cells. CLSM confirmed a morphological change of all treatments after 24 h, at the respective LC50 concentrations. These results show that the samples that contained mainly soyasapogenols A and B showed a greater ability to inhibit proliferation of cultured Hep-G2 when compared to a total soyasaponin extract that did not contain any soyasapogenols.

[Preliminary study on sea cucumber saponin-nobiliside A liposome and its hemolytic activity]

Nobiliside A (Nob A) liposomes were prepared. Its assay method of content and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were established, and hemolytic activity with Nob A solution in vivo and in vitro were compared. Preparative method, phospholipid content, ratio of phospholipid to cholesterol and ratio of drug to lipids were optimized by single factor exploration. According to the optimized results, 3 batches of Nob A liposomes were prepared, then high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) method was used to determine the content of Nob A and minicolumn centrifugation method to determine EE, transmission electron microscope was used to detect the morphology and laser scatter analysis to evaluate particle sizes of the liposomes. The hemolytic activity was studied both in vivo and in vitro. The results indicated that HPLC-ELSD method and minicolumn centrifugation method used in this study are simple, applicable and accurate for the determination of the content and EE of Nob A liposome respectively . Nob A liposomes have a high EE with spherical shape and uniform size by using the film ultrasonication technique. When the ratio of phospholipid to cholesterol was 2:1 and the ratio of Nob A to lipids was 1:40, the mean EE of Nob A liposomes was 95.7% and the mean diameter was 87.6 nm. Liposomes inhibited the hemolytic activity of Nob A in vivo and in vitro sharply. As for its low hemolytic activity in vivo and in vitro, Nob A liposomes are optimistic to be used by intravenous injection.

DNA, but not protein vaccine based on mutated BORIS antigen significantly inhibits tumor growth and prolongs the survival of mice

The ideal immunological target for cancer vaccine development would meet the criteria of tumor specificity, immunogenicity and vital dependency of the tumor on the functional activities of the antigenic target so as to avoid antigenic loss by mutation. Given that at face value the brother of regulator of imprinted sites (BORIS) transcription factor meets these criteria, we have developed a mutant variant of this molecule (mBORIS) that lacks tumorigenic ability, while retaining immunogenic epitopes that elicits responses against histologically irrelevant tumor cells. Here we compared vaccine strategies employing as an immunogen either mBORIS recombinant protein formulated in a strong Th1-type adjuvant, QuilA or DNA encoding this immunogen along with plasmids expressing interleukin (IL)12/IL18 molecular adjuvants. In both groups of vaccinated mice induction of tumor-specific immunity (antibody response, T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, T-cell cytotoxicity) as well as ability to inhibit growth of the aggressive breast cancer cell line and to prolong survival of vaccinated animals have been tested. We determined that DNA, but not recombinant protein vaccine, induced potent Th1-like T-cell recall responses that significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolongs the survival of vaccinated mice. These studies demonstrate that DNA immunization is superior to recombinant protein strategy and provide a clear guidance for clinical development of a cancer vaccine targeting what appears to be a universal tumor antigen.

[Study of differentation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of differentiation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL.

METHODS

Cell differentiation was analyzed by using Wrigh-Giemsa staining to observe the morphology changes of cells with microscope, NBT reductant test, surface differentiation antigen (CD11b and CD14) test in HL-60 cells treated by different doses (1 x 10(-5) - 5 x 10(-4) ng/ml) of SPGL at the 3th day.

RESULTS

The morphological changes showed cell differentiation characteristics; NBT reductant was significantly increased, and the number of NBT positive cells were related to dose of SPGL (in dose-dependent manner); Expression of CD11b and CD14 increased obviously.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the effect of differentiation of HL-60 cells by induction of SPGL and it induces the cells to differentiate along the monocyte and granulocyte lineage.

Pharmacokinetics of astragaloside iv in beagle dogs

In this study, the pharmacokinetics of Astragaloside iv (AGS-IV) in Beagle dogs was studied by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS). The concentrations of the drugs in plasma were determined after i.v. administration of 0.5, 1, 2 mg.kg(-1) AGS-IV and p.o. administration of 10 mg.kg(-1) AGS-IV. The areas under concentration-time curve (AUC) were linearly correlated to the doses administrated. The absolute bioavailability of AGS-IV after p.o. administration was found to be 7.4%. The plasma protein binding rate of AGS-IV was about 90% within a concentration range of 250-1000 ng.ml(-1). There was no significant species difference regarding the pharmacokinetics of AGS-IV between the rat and the Beagle dog.